(Review by Steve H)).
Maybe not jazz as you know it, but nevertheless, a marvellously original piece of work transcending genres from Pink Floyd to Steve Reich. Aided by contributions from 21 musicians, Clemo is featured on voice, guitars, keyboards, electronics, treatments (?) and location sound recordings.
The opening Liberation is a dreamlike multi-layered ambient soundscape setting the tone for the rest of the album.
Shadow Seas, a more sombre rhythmic affair, lifted with very effective background vocals.
Magnetic, futuristic in a somewhat orchestral style.
Lark begins almost morbidly before breaking into a very uplifting piece.
The Return of Familiarity, dominated by a single piano note played effectively over the ensemble.
Water in the Flow, a powerful number again featuring very effective vocals accompanied by constant table-like rhythms.
Burn is hauntingly eerie and atmospheric.
Awaken Now perfectly evokes its title giving the impression of being awoken gracefully.
Home is both charming and graceful leaving one with a positive feel at the conclusion to a thoroughly enjoyable album.
Dream Maps has a very cinematic feel to it (which is not surprising given that Clemo is also a filmmaker) the listener is always kept interested and intrigued if not inspired.
Steve H.
Philip Clemo: voice, electric & acoustic guitars; keyboards; electronics; Evi Vine: voice; Arve Henriksen: trumpet, voice; Byron Wallen, Henry Lowther: trumpet, flugelhorn; Pip Eastop: French horn; Oren Marshall: tuba; Sarah Homer: clarinet, bass clarinet; Clive Bell: flute ; Kevin Pollard: piano, organ; Thomas Bloch: ondes martenot; glass harmonica; Emily Burridge, Peter Gregson: cello; B.J. Cole: pedal steel guitar; Phil Wheeler, Simon Hopkins: electric guitar; Simon Edwards: electric bass, double bass; John Edwards: double bass; Nikko Grosz: electric bass; Martin Ditcham: drums, percussion; Dirk Wachtelaer, Martin France: drums.
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